Silver Hourglass

The Death of an Ally Chapter 38

The month, just like how Dumbledore said, seemed to fast-forward for Harry. Harry, Draco, Blaise, and Theo spent the month preparing Harry for the final task, Hermione and Ron helping occasionally as they all worked on spells that Harry would need for the maze. Harry's mind was filling to the bursting point as he and the others studied for exams too, which were finishing the day of the third task. The mood in the castle as they entered June became excited and tense again. Everyone was looking forward to the third task, which would take place a week before the end of term. Harry was practicing hexes at every available moment. He felt more confident about this task than either of the others. Professor Snape, tired of seeing Harry, Draco, Theo, and Blaise practicing spells in the common room, had given them use of a dungeon during their lunch breaks, which they used greedily. Harry had soon mastered the Impediment Curse, a spell to slow down and obstruct attackers, the Reductor Curse, which would enable him to blast solid objects out of his way; and the Four-Point Spell, a useful discovery of Theo's that would make his wand point due north. Harry was still having trouble with the Shield Charm, however, but though Draco made him practice till he could shield off minor jinxes and hexes.

The morning of the Final task came with a noisy clatter as the castle seemed to be excited for the finale of the Triwizard Tournament. Harry and Draco were sitting together at the Slytherin Table as Professor Snape walked up to them. "Potter, the champions are congregating in the chamber off the Hall after breakfast," he said.

"But the task's not till tonight!" Harry said, afraid he had mistaken the time.

"I am currently aware of that Potter," Professor Snape said. "The champion's families are invited to watch the final task. This is simply a chance for you to greet them." He moved away, Harry gaped after him.

"He does not expect those muggles to show, does he?" Draco asked, sneering at the thought of Harry's relatives.

"I don't think so," Harry said. "The less of the muggles I see, the better."

"You're right, I doubt the muggles will show. Well, I better hurry to class," Draco said kissing Harry's cheek. "I will see you later love."

Harry finished his breakfast in the emptying Great Hall. He saw Fleur get up from the Ravenclaw table and joined Cedric as he crossed to the side chamber and entered. Krum slouched off to join them shortly afterwards. Harry loitered for a minute, not wanting to see if the muggles came, but slowly made his way to the side chamber as Cedric poked his head out. "Come on Harry, they're waiting!" he said.

Harry followed Cedric into the side chamber and closed the door behind him. Cedric and his parents were just inside the door. Viktor Krum was over in a corner, conversing with his dark-haired mother and father in rapid Bulgarian, Harry could hear Krum saying "momche" several times. Fleur was jabbering away in French with her mother, Fleur's sister Gabrielle was holding her mother's hand. She waved at Harry, who waved back grinning. Then he saw Mrs. Weasley and Bill standing in front of the fireplace, beaming at him.

"Surprise!" Mrs. Weasley said excitedly as he smiled broadly and walked over to them. "Thought we'd come and watch you, Harry!" She bent down and kissed him on the cheek.

"You all right?" Bill asked grinning at Harry and shaking his hand. "Charlie wanted to come, but he couldn't get time off. He said you were incredible against the Horntail."

Fleur Delacour, Harry noticed, was eyeing Bill with great interest over her mother's shoulder. Harry could tell she had no objection whatsoever to long hair or earrings with fangs on them. "This is really nice of you," Harry said. "I thought—for a moment—that the Dursleys—"

"Hmm," Mrs. Weasley said, pursing her lips. She had always refrained from criticizing the Dursleys in front of Harry, but her eyes flashed every time they were mentioned.